This Mom’s New iPhone was a Fake!
Credit: deagreez / Adobe Stock
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A proud first-time iPhone owner was showing off her new “iPhone 16 Pro Max” to her daughter and daughter’s friend when the two noticed something strange. The $600 phone purchased from Facebook Marketplace was a fake despite coming in what appeared to be a legitimate box.
The friend shared information and pictures on the Reddit forum r/mildlyinfurating. The first red flag was the mom’s mention that the iPhone was a new ‘iPhone Pro Max Mini.’ Of course, you all likely know by now this model doesn’t exist. There is no ‘mini’ version of the iPhone Pro Max. Whoops!
The friend, posting under the Reddit username u/Tobias-Tawanda described the mom as, “in her 50s and not very tech-savvy.” Even Tobias-Tawanda said the packaging was “convincing,” which is likely why she fell for the fake. I’m not sure they’ll get very far by reaching out to the seller, but it’s worth a try. What’s worse is this phone looks like it’s 10 years old already.
As some viewers of the post pointed out, while it’s somewhat amusing that someone actually thought this was a new iPhone 16, there are real risks involved. One commenter from the security industry warned, “…stop using immediately and turn it in to the police or proper authorities. This most likely has major security issues on it that are a threat to her and those around her.” Another user followed, saying: “As someone not in the security industry and simply not brain dead, I also agree.”
What are the odds this phone didn’t include some form of spyware? Hopefully, her personal information stayed secure, and the only consequences were $600, some embarrassment, and a few chuckles at her expense. Having personal and private information and money stolen isn’t a laughing matter.
We’ve suggested purchasing a used iPhone as an alternative to high-priced new models and a way to avoid possible upcoming price hikes. If you do go the used direction, your safest bet is trusted online retailers like Swappa, Gazelle, and Back Market rather than Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. At these and similar sites, you’ll get an iPhone that meets specific inspection criteria and most likely has a pre-owned warranty or at least a return period.
